Acceptable Use of Technology 

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) FOR THE TAFT SCHOOL

It is the general policy of the Taft School that computers and network services are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the mission of the school. Users acknowledge their understanding of this policy and guidelines as a condition of using the network. The use of Taft School I.T. resources is a privilege and is granted to users primarily for the enhancement of curricular-related learning or job functions.

All users are responsible for adhering to these policies and procedures for network use. This includes students, faculty, staff, and authorized users. Any communication or action that would be considered inappropriate in any other setting is equally inappropriate on the computer, computer network, and/or the Internet.

Students are expected to manage their computer time in a responsible manner and refrain from excessive use for purposes of social communication and/or entertainment.

ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE NETWORK

Acceptable use of the network includes activities that support learning, teaching, and communication. Students and faculty are encouraged to explore and develop new ways of using technology to support Taft's teaching and learning objectives.

UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE NETWORK

Unacceptable use of the network includes, but is not limited to:

• Using network credentials that belong to someone else.

• Violating the rights to privacy of students, employees of the Taft School, or others outside of Taft.

• Using the network to harass or bully another individual or individuals.

• Using profane or obscene language that may be offensive to another user.

• Plagiarism and/or copying materials in violation of copyright law.

• Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity.

• Acting in a manner that degrades or disrupts system performance or unauthorized entry to and/or destruction of computer systems and files.

• Excessive bandwidth usage that impacts the network or Internet performance of others.

• Re-posting personal communications without the author’s prior consent.

• Accessing, downloading, storing, or printing files or messages that are illegal or obscene.

• Using BitTorrent or other peer-2-peer methods as a means to unlawfully download copyrighted material such as movies, music, games, programs, etc.

• The use of any technology or device to disable, bypass, or otherwise attempt to circumvent Taft’s access policies, firewall systems, or other access points.

• Copying and using software without a license is forbidden. The use and transfer of stolen software is a federal offense. Pirating software may result in the loss of the user's account. Commercial software may not be stored or transferred on the network or Taft-owned or licensed storage systems. Loading any software without the approval of the IT administrator(s) on any school-owned computer is prohibited.

• The unauthorized reproduction, modification, or distribution of copyrighted material may constitute copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. § 107 of the United States Code if such use is not for the nonprofit purposes of teaching, research, or scholarship.

• Using Generative Artificial Intelligence for improper or dishonest purposes is strictly forbidden. This includes any attempt to generate or manipulate content with the intention to deceive, plagiarize, or engage in any form of academic dishonesty. The use of Generative AI must align with ethical standards, academic integrity, and the guidelines set forth by The Taft School. Any misuse or unauthorized use of Generative AI tools may result in disciplinary action, loss of network access, and other appropriate consequences as determined by the school administration.

PRIVILEGES

Use of the network is a privilege, not a right. Failure to act in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy may result in a loss of network access, disciplinary action, and/or criminal penalties under applicable state and federal law. The IT department, at its discretion, may revoke this privilege temporarily or permanently.

AUTHORITY OF SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS

The Taft network is a privately owned and managed data system. IT administrators may read, intercept, filter, or audit any electronic communication, file, or data stream passing through the network or Taft-licensed systems and verify the contents of a user's directory. Email, application traffic, or files may be read by administrators who may revoke accounts and modify a user's access at their discretion.

SECURITY AND PRIVACY

Network users may not share passwords and must properly log off school computers after each use. Users should have no expectation of privacy as the school has the right, and occasionally, the responsibility, to monitor usage and activity. Passwords must be kept secret. Only the person to whom it is assigned may use that username and password.

VIRUSES AND MALWARE

All personally owned devices, except for iOS devices must run virus protection software. The school can provide this software at no charge to the student.

DISCLAIMER

The Taft School makes no express or implied warranty for the Internet access it provides or the resources available through the use of our network. We cannot completely eliminate access to information that is offensive or illegal and residing on networks outside of the Taft School campus. Taft does not guarantee the availability of access to the Internet and will not be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical and/or other difficulties.

If you have any questions about this policy, please call the Taft IT department at 860-945-7990.

Updated July 2023